This international trade association was initially approved by the IICRC executive committee and board of directors in 2010, the release noted.

According to the release, the new association will provide education, legislative, networking and advocacy services to industry professionals, companies and supporting organizations involved in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries.

"The IICRCA has the goal of unifying the industry and spreading the mission and standards of inspection, cleaning and restoration worldwide," said Tony Wheelwright, the current IICRCA president and chairman.

"The association will aim to be a central resource for industry professionals to grow their businesses and better serve their customers," Wheelwright added.

The initial board of directors of the IICRCA will be made up of the current executive committee of the IICRC; the IICRCA's first full board of directors will be elected by the association membership within the next 12 months, the release noted.